Are the Olympic Games political? Northeast Ohio academics discuss complex history

Experts discuss the history of politics and the Olympics The 2026 Winter Olympics are well underway in Milan, marking the Games' return to Italy for the first time since 2006. The theme of this year's Opening Ceremony was harmony, or "armonia" in Italian, a message of unity on a global stage. But as American athletes chase medals abroad, the political climate at home is anything but harmonious. President Donald Trump has just marked his first year back in office, as a partial government shutdown continues and mass deportation efforts expand nationwide. Some U.S. athletes competing in these Winter Games have acknowledged the complicated emotions they're navigating while representing their country. Freestyle skier Chris Lillis said he feels "heartbroken" about what's happening in the United States. His teammate, Hunter Hess, said representing the U.S. "brings up mixed emotions" and that it's "a little hard." Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Hess a "real loser." In the days that followed, additional Team USA athletes came to Hess' defense. Beyond the U.S., global conflicts continue to unfold. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has entered its fourth year. Fighting continues in Gaza despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. And in Sudan, a devastating civil war has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises to date. Wednesday on the "Sound of Ideas," we'll explore the intersection of politics and the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee, or IOC, maintains a firm stance against the politicization of sport. But have the Games ever truly been apolitical? Our experts weigh in. Guests: - Leslie Heaphy, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sports History, Kent State University - Kathryn Lavelle, Ph.D., Professor in World Affairs, Case Western Reserve University Akron Roundtable celebrates 50 years In today's fragmented and divisive political landscape, many find it more important than ever for communities to come together to have an open dialogue about ideas of global, national and regional importance. The Akron Roundtable has been promoting community dialogue for the past 50 years, ever since it was established in 1976. To date, it has hosted nearly 480 speakers from a variety of fields. Closing out Wednesday's show, we’ll hear more about its history and how it is celebrating 50 years of public forums with the president of the Akron Roundtable, Curtis Minter Jr., and tomorrow's event speaker, Brian Windhorst. To register for luncheon, visit the Akron Roundtable website. The conversation will also air live on 89.7 WKSU at 8 p.m. on March 5. Guests: - Curtis Minter Jr., President, Akron Roundtable - Brian Windhorst, Senior NBA Reporter, ESPN